Cylinder cover fastening devices

ABSTRACT

A fastening device for releasably securing a cover on a cylinder is provided. In one embodiment the device is adapted to fit snugly in a slot milled in a cylinder. In yet another embodiment the fastening device is adapted to be mounted on the periphery of the cylinder, thereby permitting the cover to freewheel around the cylinder circumference.

United States Patent Inventor Alan D. Kirkpatrick 5 Warren Place R. D.#4, Newfoundland, NJ. 07435 Appl. No. 9,609

Filed Feb. 9, 1970 Patented Jan. 11, 1972 CYLINDER COVER FASTENINGDEVICES 6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 24/19, 101 [415.1

Int. Cl B4li 1/28 Field ofSearch 10l/4l5.l;

83/509; 24/243 K, 243 N, 243 M, 19

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1900 Venen 24/243 M 2/1924Eng1ish.. 101/415.1 6/1953 Boyajean... l0l/415.l 7/1962 Gurin....10l/415.l

Primary Examiner-Donald A. Griffin Att0rney.loseph J. Dvorak ABSTRACT: Afastening device for releasably securing a cover on a cylinder isprovided. In one embodiment the device is adapted to fit snugly in aslot milled in a cylinder. In yet another embodiment the fasteningdevice is adapted to be mounted on the periphery of the cylinder,thereby permitting the cover to freewheel around the cylindercircumference.

PATENIEU JAN] 1 1972 31633248 sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR.

ALAN D. KIRKPATRICK ATTORNEY PATENTEU .mu 1 m2 3 L533 ,24

} SHEET 2' OF 2 INVENI'OR. 5 ALAN D. KIRKPATRICK ATTORNEY 1 CYLINDERCOVER FASTENING DEVICES BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of InventionThis invention relates generally to fastening devices. Morespecifically, this invention relates to positive-locking,releasable-fastening devices for mounting split-ring annular bandmembers around cylinders. Even more specifically, this invention relatesto a novel fastening device which is particularly well adapted forreleasably securing a covering or blanket," as that term willhereinafter be described, around impression receiving cylinders such asthose employed on rotary diecutting machines, printer-slottermechanisms, and the like.

2. Description of Prior Art With the growth in complexity of modernindustrial machinery, there has been an ever growing demand for new andimproved methods for positively fastening together various types ofworkpieces, including machinery parts and similar articles.Veryl'requently fastening devices are required which can be disengagedsimply without damage to workpieces fastened by the device. Also,fastening devices which permit installation of new machinery partsrelatively quickly, thus avoiding long shutdown time of expensivemachines, are in exceptionally great demand.

The present commercial practice of fastening composition covers onimpression-receiving cylinders such as those found on rotarydiecutting'and printer-slotter machinery is illustrative of the acuteneed for new and improved fastening devices.

Rotary diecutting machines are utilized in the corrugated box industry,for example, to score and/or cut the heavy corrugated paperboard intovarious shapes, sizes, and patterns so that the board can be formed intoend-use configurations, such as, boxes and shipping containers. Thesemachines are equipped with metal cylinders which support the board atthe point where the cutting or scoring element makes its impression. Ineffect, the cylinder acts as an anvil.

In order to protect the cutting element of rotary diecutting machinesfrom excessive wear and possible damage, however, the metal cylindersupporting the corrugated board is fitted with a cover or blanket whichhas an outer surface or layer of a composite or polymeric material. Theouter surface of the blanket is sufficiently rigid to give adequatesupport to the paperboard, yet soft enough so that the cutting elementwill not wear or be damaged upon impact with the cylinder. Obviously, nometal parts which might come in contact with the cutting element canremain exposed after the cylinder is fitted with the cover or blanket.

A typical blanket or cylinder cover can be described essentially as asplit-ring annular band member and generally comprises a thin, -inchwide and 60-inch long metal backing strip on which is cast apolyurethane polymeric material.

The blanket is featured to the cylinder by first wrapping the blanketaround the cylinder so that the ends meet at a slot milled in andrunning the length of the cylinder. The ends of the blanket are forcedinto the slot and held in place by a metal bar inserted in the slot overthe blanket ends. The bar is then bolted or screwed into the cylinder.Next a precast strip of polyurethane polymeric material is inserted inthe cavity over the metal bar. The inserted strip is bonded in place bymeans of an adhesive, thereby providing a continuous composite coveraround the periphery of the cylinder. Often the strip of compositecovering which is bonded on the cylinder has to be sanded or worked downso that the cover is completely smooth around the entire cylindercircumference.

In any event, generally about 10 blankets are so mounted around theimpression-receiving cylinder of a rotary diecutting machine. All theblankets do not wear equally, however, since most of the cuttingoperations are centered on the cylinder. Consequently, cuttingoperations must be stopped frequently to change a worn blanket.

The time the machine is not being used for cutting operations obviouslyrepresents an economic loss. Additionally, the labor required inchanging a cover is costly. Removal of a LII worn blanket andinstallation of a new replacement blanket usually requires the effortsof three men.

Sometimes it is desirable to reposition blankets on the cylinder toprovide for more uniform wear, and additional costly downtime isencountered.

Also, new trends in printing and slotting paperboard, for example, havecreated a need for new and improved methods for mounting blankets oncylinders used in printing and slotting paperboard. Today,printer-slotter machines are being adapted to perform other cuttingfunctions such as cutting handle holes in paperboard. Thus, neweconomical means for releasably mounting covers or blankets on cylindersof printer-slotter machines which have been adapted for cuttingfunctions are in increasing demand.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to this invention there is provided apositive locking, releasable fastening device which is particularly welladapted for use in installing a blanket or covering on a cylinderwithout leaving a void where the ends of the covering meet. Thefastening device of this invention includes a latch element, a fastenerhousing for receiving said latch element, said latch element being ableto move downwardly in said housing, and means for urging and positivelylocking the latch element in operative engagement with said fastenerhousing. The positive locking means, upon proper actuation, also willpermit disengagement of the latch element and fastener housmg.

The fastener housing is generally U-shaped in cross section, comprisingessentially a base and two sidewalls extending upwardly from the base.One sidewall is provided with elements engageable with cooperativemembers on the latch element. The same sidewall is provided with aprojecting member at the top of the sidewall arm and means forconnecting one end of the cylinder backing member thereto.

The latch element comprises essentially an arm and a top piece. The armhas members on its outer surface to operatively engage correspondingengageable elements on the inner surface of one arm of the base member.The top piece extends from the arm for a length sufficient to cover thespace between the arms of the fastener housing when the latch element isin a locked position. The latch element also is provided with means forconnecting the latch element to the terminal part of a cylinder cover.

In a preferred embodiment of my invention, a toggle element is employedto lock the latch element in operative engagement with the fastenerhousing.

In using my device, a fastener housing is attached at he end of theprojecting member of said housing to one end of the split annular bandconstituting a backing member of a cylinder cover, for example. Thelatch element is also attached to the backing member of the cylindercover at the opposite end of the cover. The cover is wrapped around thecylinder, and the latch element is inserted in the fastener housing.Finally, the means for operatively engaging the latch element andfastener housing is actuated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a fasteningdevice according to this invention shown fully engaged but not locked;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the fastening device shown in FIG. llfully engaged and locked;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of parts that make up thepreferred embodiment of means C illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation partly in perspective of the fastening deviceof FIG. I with a cylinder cover in which the fastening device is fullydisengaged;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a variation of a fastening deviceaccording to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION l2 depend upon the dimensions of theworkpieces that the device must serve to fasten. In a preferredembodiment of this invention, the dimensions of the fastener elementsare adapted so that fastening device 12 will fit snugly in the slotmilled in the rotary die cutting cylinder. Such slots are about I inchwide and one-half inch deep and run the length of the cylinder.Typically, the length of fastener housing A will be equal to the widthof the cylinder cover to be fastened to a rotary diecutting cylinder.

Fastener housing A, latch element B, and means C are fabricated from anyappropriate material having the requisite mechanical strength for thespecific fastening function. Preferably elements A, B, and C are made ofaluminum.

Referring to the drawings, fastener housing A may comprise a bottom part14, upwardly extending sidewalls l5 and 16, horizontally extendinggrooves I7, 18, and 19, and projecting member 20, Grooves l7, l8 and 19are defined by bottom part 14 and extensions 37, 38, and 39. Projectingmember 20 may be provided with groove 21, defined by extensions 22 and23 for receiving the workpiece to be fastened. For example, in oneembodiment of this invention groove 21 is adapted to receive backingmember 53 of the cylinder cover 52 which is held fast in the groove bysqueezing extensions 22 and 23 toward each other and against theworkpiece inserted in groove 21. Then an eyelet (not shown) is insertedthrough extensions 22, 23, and the backing member, much like a rivet, topermanently retain the backing member as an integral part of fastenerhousing A.

Bottom part 14 of fastener housing A optionally and preferably hasraised portion 24 which functions as a stop for .locking means C, aswill be explained in more detail in relation to the functioning ofC.

At the corner of bottom part 14 and sidewall 15, groove 25 is providedto receive one end of means C.

Latch element B comprise arm portion 26 and top portion 27. Top portion27 is substantially perpendicular to arm portion 26 and is of sufficientlength and width so that when B is operatively engaged with A, portion26 will cover the opening between sidewalls l5 and 16 of housing A.

Optionally, top portion 27 is substantially arcuate in cross section toconform to the approximate curvature of the cylinder.

Arm portion 26 of element B is provided with tongues 28, 29 and 30 forcooperatively engaging the corresponding grooves of sidewall 16. Whensaid tongues and grooves are in cooperative engagement, verticalmovement of element B out of housing A is prevented. Also, arm 26 isprovided with cavity 36 for pivotally mounting means C.

Top portion 27 preferably with groove 21b defined by extensions 22b and23/; adapted to receive and hold the workpiece to be fastened. Forexample, the end ofa cylinder cover backing member opposite that whichhas been attached to fastener housing A can be similarly equipped withlatch element B.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, means C, shown in explodedview in FIG. 3, comprises toggle element having legs 31 and 32, knee 33,and feet 34 and 35. Knee 33 may comprise any suitable flexible joint,such as, a typical door hinge. Preferably, knee 33 is defined by roundedend portions 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 provided, in an alternate fashionfor example, at the ends of legs 31 and 32 adapted to pivot around pinmember 40. Feet 34 and 25 of latch element B and fastener housing A,respectively are arcuate and fit in grooves in sidewall I5 and armportion 26.

The width of the toggle is such that when legs 31 and 32 are at a 180angle, with respect to each other, as shown in FIG. I, latch element Band fastener housing A are in full engagement in a force fit, and B andA consequently remain fully engaged even as knee 33 is forced downfurther toward base 14. Stop 24, as shown in FIG. 2, prevents togglelegs 31 and 32 from assuming an angle greater than 187 with respect toeach other. There is a slight relief in pressure on the various partswhen the toggle mechanism moves through the 180 angle shown by line Ldrawn byjoining points X Y Z in FIG. I. In passing back from theposition shown in FIG. 2 through the FIG. I position, an upward pressuremust be exerted on knee 33. However, any lateral pull exerted on latch Bwill only force leg 32 down against stop 24. Hence, without an externalforce pushing up against knee 33, fastener 12 remains locked.

In one embodiment of this invention fastener I2 is employed incombination with a split ring annular band member 52 having a fiber orsteel backing 53 and a composition or polymeric covering 54. First,latch element B is secured to the steel backing member 53 at one end ofthe split ring, and housing A is secured to the other end of member 53.Securing A and B to 53 is accomplished by slipping the ends of 53 intothe grooves provided in A and B and crimping down with sufficient forceto hold 53 firmly in said grooves. An eyelet, rivet, bolt, and evenadhesive may be employed to even more securely join A and B to theterminal portions of 53.

Next the polymeric cover 54 is cast on 53 and portion 20 and 27. Anypolymeric material may be used, such as, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, and the like. The proper choice of cover material is withinthe skill of the art and depends in part upon the type of function thecylinder is going to be put to use. After the polymer is cured, theblanket is ready to assemble on a cylinder.

To install the blanket and fastening device, housing A is placed in theslot milled in the cylinder. The blanket is wrapped around the cylinder,and latch element B is inserted in housing A. Then B is moved laterallywithin A by actuation of means C, which urges A and B in engagement.When the cover is worn, C is actuated to disengage A and B, and theblanket is withdrawn from around the cylinder. When C is a toggleelement, C can be hand actuated, or a screwdriver or similar tool can beinserted through the open end to apply the requisite pressure on knee33.

In using the device of this invention, the whole operation of changingthe cylinder covering can be accomplished rapidly by a single person.Moreover, my device is sufficiently inexpensive that no effort need byexpended in attempting to retain parts after use, but rather the blanketand fastening device can be simply discarded.

In FIG. 5 there is shown a variation of my fastening device which isadapted to fit on the periphery of a cylinder rather than being keyed tothe cylinder. In this way some freewheeling of the cover around thecylinder is possible, depending of course on the tightness of the fit ofthe band member and fastener device.

Referring to FIG. 5, fastening device includes means C which comprises asubstantially flat piece 77, preferably made of metal, which merely actslike a lever in bringing latch element B vertically downward intofastener housing A and in operative engagement therewith.

Sidewall 16 of housing A is adapted with spring actuated means foroperatively engaging arm 26 as will be more fully described. Sidewall 16is also provided with cavity 75, defined by extensions 74 and 76, forreceiving cylinder backing member 53, for example.

Arm 26 is provided with extensions 72 and 73 to define a cavity forreceiving part 79 which in operative engagement is urged laterally byspring 78.

In the variant of H0. 5, bottom part 14 and top piece 27 of thefastening device are substantially of arcuate cross section to conformto the approximate curvature of the cylinder. Also, that device issubstantially thinner than the device shown in FIG. 1, for example.

Any means of course can be used to compress the spring to move part 79laterally to disengage the latch element and fastener housing. Suitablya long screwdriver or similar tool is simply inserted at the opening atthe end of the fastener to carry out that function. A special key beprovided also.

Having described by invention in detail, what I desire to secure byLetters Patent and claim is:

l. A fastening device for releasably securing a split ring annularmember around a cylinder body comprising a fastener housing including abottom part and two sidewalls, said housing being generally of U-shapedcross section and adapted to fit snugly within a slot provided in acylinder;

means for attaching said fastener housing to one end of the split ringannular member;

a latch element, said latch element having members to prevent verticalmovement of said latch element when in operative engagement;

means for attaching said latch element to the other end of the splitring annular member;

and means for urging said latch element in operative engagement withsaid fastener housing, one sidewall of said fastener housing havingelements engageable with cooperative members on said latch element.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for urging said latch elementin operative engagement with said fastener housing is a toggle element.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said latch element members to preventvertical movement are longitudinal tongues and said sidewall elementsfor cooperative engagement are longitudinal grooves.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the bottom part of said fastenerhousing is provided with a stop and wherein the means for urging thelatch element in operative engagement with said fastener housing is atoggle element pivotally mounted in said latch element.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said latch element has a top piece ofsubstantially arcuate cross section to conform to the approximatecurvature of the cylinder and said latch element has an arm with cavitydefining extensions; and wherein one sidewall of said fastener housingis provided with a laterally movable part for operative engagement withsaid latch arm cavity, and means for urging said part laterally intosaid arm cavity when said latch element is positioned in said fastenerhousing, and means for urging said latch element downward into operativeengagement with said fastener housmg.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the means for urging said laterallymovable part into said arm cavity is a spring and said means for urgingsaid latch element downwardly is a lever.

1. A fastening device for releasably securing a split ring annularmember around a cylinder body comprising a fastener housing including abottom part and two sidewalls, said housing being generally of U-shapedcross section and adapted to fit snugly within a slot provided in acylinder; means for attaching said fastener housing to one end of thesplit ring annular member; a latch element, said latch element havingmembers to prevent vertical movement of said latch element when inoperative engagement; means for attaching said latch element to theother end of the split ring annular member; and means for urging saidlatch element in operative engagement with said fastener housing, onesidewall of said fastener housing having elements engageable withcooperative members on said latch element.
 2. The device of claim 1wherein the means for urging said latch element in operative engagementwith said fastener housing is a toggle element.
 3. The device of claim 1wherein said latch element members to prevent vertical movement arelongitudinal tongues and said sidewall elements for cooperativeengagement are longitudinal grooves.
 4. The device of claim 1 whereinthe bottom part of said fastener housing is provided with a stop andwherein the means for urging the latch element in operative engagementwith said fastener housing is a toggle element pivotally mounted in saidlatch element.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said latch element has atop piece of substantially arcuate cross section to conform to theapproximate curvature of the cylinder and said latch element has an armwith cavity defining extensions; and wherein one sidewall of saidfastener housing is provided with a laterally movable part for operativeengagement with said latch arm cavity, and means for urging said partlaterally into said arm cavity when said latch element is positioned insaid fastener housing, and means for urging said latch element downwardinto operative engagement with said fastener housing.
 6. The device ofclaim 5 wherein the means for urging said laterally movable part intosaid arm cavity is a spring and said means for urging said latch elementdownwardly is a lever.